The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35